Waltham High seniors graduate

Standing on the sidelines clutching a digital camera, Maria Rosati eagerly cheered on Waltham High School's Class of 2009 as if it were her own.

"Yeah, Class of 1979," she shouted during commencement ceremonies yesterday. "I mean 2009!"

Thirty years ago, she was in her daughter's shoes, except her class graduated at Leary Field and a then-history teacher named John Graceffa has since become the school's principal, she said.

"The Class of '79 was the class of the century," she said. "It was the time of my life."

Yesterday, Maria Rosati smiled as her daughter Loriana followed in her footsteps. In the fall, Loriana is set to attend Curry College in Milton, majoring in psychology and pursuing a minor in dance.

"It was unforgettable and amazing," Loriana said of her high school experience, clad in a white graduation gown. "I had the same group of friends all four years."

Yesterday, Loriana was among roughly 332 seniors graduating from Waltham High School, joining family and friends on the lawn of the historic grounds of Gore Place.

Under sunny skies, some people sought shade under umbrellas while others braved the steamy temperatures, sitting on fold-out chairs. Air-horns were blown sporadically to show enthusiasm for those closing the chapter on their high school experience.

Margaret McGuire, vice president of the National Honor Society, provided opening remarks.

"There's more to high school than sitting in classrooms," she said. "High school shapes who we are and who we will become."

Darja Mihailova, treasurer for the National Honor Society, provided the welcoming address.

"There is no doubt that today is a significant day. The Class of 2009's hard work and determination has filled us with knowledge," she said. "As we embark on our separate journeys, remember to never limit yourself ... high school is a test, but life is a challenge that I sincerely think each one of us is prepared for."

Mayor Jeannette McCarthy offered greetings from the city.

"Tomorrow morning and every morning thereafter, you will wake up a graduate of Waltham High School," McCarthy said. "What will you do with the gift of education you have been provided? The world is now your oyster. The world is now blank pages before you ... live your life with arms wide open."

Superintendent Peter Azar offered his first speech as the new head of the district.

"No matter how big the task in front of you, no matter how long the journey, you can make a difference by trying," he said. "We can all make a difference. We have to start somewhere."

This year's ceremony also had special meaning for Principal Graceffa, whose son Michael Graceffa was graduating and offering the closing remarks for the ceremony.

"I am certainly proud to have served as your principal," John Gracefffa said to the graduating class. "Be confident knowing you are ready to meet the challenges ahead. I am proud to have played a small part in your high school experience."

Michael Graceffa, a Student Council officer and National Honor Society student, echoed his father's sentiments in his closing remarks.

"Today we end those dramatic years of adolescence and begin our lives as adults," he said. "The importance of this day doesn't rest upon today, but rather on tomorrow ... what we must leave here with is passion. I see leaders of tomorrow among all of us ... in my mind, I know we possess the passion in our hearts to make all of our wildest dreams come true."

Jeff Gilbride can be reached at 781-398-8005 or at jgilbrid@cnc.com.

PDF: List of graduates